GastroBeats 2023 has open-spaced seating areas for you to chill and eat at.
GastroBeats 2023 has open-spaced seating areas for you to chill and eat at. Photo Credit: Josiah Lee.

Prepare your taste buds and get your groove on because GastroBeats is back, bigger and tastier than before! As part of iLight Singapore 2023, GastroBeats promises a fusion of culinary delights and music. From the 1st to 25th of June, Bayfront Event Space will transform into a festival of gastronomic and musical bliss.

There are close to 50 food vendors selected by foodie personality and GastroBeats’ very own Chief Foodie Officer (CFO), Zermatt Neo, with the suggestions from his followers.

A wide variety of food stalls featuring different cuisines at GastroBeats 2023.
A wide variety of food stalls featuring different cuisines at GastroBeats 2023. Photo Credit: Josiah Lee

With two thematic food streets inspired by Thailand and Taiwan, it will take more than one visit to try everything, but here’s some good news for you: GastroBeats 2023’s has free admission! 

The UrbanWire team loves good food and we were ready to satisfy our cravings and discover the delicious treats at the food stalls. We set out to explore some of the food stalls that have taken centre stage at this year’s festival.

A snippet of the mouth-watering food we ate at GastroBeats 2023.
A snippet of the mouth-watering food we ate at GastroBeats 2023. Photo Credit: Josiah Lee
  1. JJ Royal Coffee
JJ Royal Coffee’s signboard of their exclusive drinks for GastroBeats 2023.
JJ Royal Coffee’s signboard of their exclusive drinks for GastroBeats 2023. Photo Credit: Josiah Lee

We tried their Fizzy Black ($6.5), a combination of soda water and espresso, as well as their Toraja Gula Melaka Latte ($6.5), made with their in-house gula melaka syrup.

2. La Levain

La Levain’s storefront, featuring their menu items.
La Levain’s storefront, featuring their menu items. Photo Credit: Josiah Lee.

Our next stop was to La Levain (Halal Certified), a 2022 World Gourmet Awards Cafe of the Year Finalist, where we tried the Kimchi Croissant Pasta ($11.8) and their Four Cheese Pizza ($18.8).

The Four Cheese Oven Baked Pizza is the latest addition to their menu and we were surprised by how perfectly-charred the crust was and how the tinge of sweetness from the honey complemented the saltiness of the cheese.

The Four cheese is topped with Homemade Ricotta, Gorgonzola, Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese, finished with a drizzle of honey.
The Four cheese is topped with Homemade Ricotta, Gorgonzola, Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese, finished with a drizzle of honey. Photo Credit: Josiah Lee.

3. Craft’B

Co-founder of Craft'B, Sng Yu Jie posing in front of her storefront with the Grass Fed Ribeye with fries.
Co-founder of Craft’B, Sng Yu Jie posing in front of her storefront with the Grass Fed Ribeye with fries. Photo Credit: Charlize Kon.

Craft’B specialises in affordable beef rice bowls, which will be featured in the upcoming Singapore Netflix series, Food Tales, in August 2023. We tried the Grass Fed Ribeye with fries ($17),  infused with hints of truffle and chimichurri which left a lasting impression on our taste buds.

4. Papi’s Tacos

Head chef and owner of Papi’s Taco, Mauricio Espinoza (left) posing with one of his chefs.
Head chef and owner of Papi’s Taco, Mauricio Espinoza (left) posing with one of his chefs. Photo Credit: Josiah Lee.

We tried Papi’s Taco’s authentic Mexican Grilled Fish Taco ($14) and the Grilled Tiger Prawn with Mentaiko Sauce Taco ($18). Every bite of the taco was a treat as the combination of savoury and tangy created a flavour fiesta in our mouths.

5. DamnMeats

Our UrbanWire Editor, Isabelle, and Lead Designer, Charlize, posing in front of DamnMeat’s storefront with their food.
Our UrbanWire Editor, Isabelle, and Lead Designer, Charlize, posing in front of DamnMeat’s storefront with their food. Photo Credit: Josiah Lee.

Our last stop was DamnMeats, where we sampled dry-aged beef cubes ($25) and a dry–aged beef burger ($25) which topped our list. Nestled between fluffy buns, the patty was a true masterpiece of meaty goodness which boasted a rich, umami-packed flavour that was enhanced by the smoky char from the grill. If you’re a meat enthusiast or simply crave a burger that will blow your taste buds away, make sure to visit DamnMeats at GastroBeats 2023.

Introducing The UrbanWire’s favourite from GastroBeats 2023, the Damn Beef Burger.
Introducing The UrbanWire’s favourite from GastroBeats 2023, the Damn Beef Burger. Photo Credit: Josiah Lee.

GastroBeats is not just about the food; it’s a celebration of music that will get your body moving and your soul grooving. Groove to the beats of renowned local musicians like 53A, Jive Talkin’, Peep Show, Shirlyn + The UnXpected, and Jack & Rai as they bring to life Singapore’s favourite tunes every weekend on GastroBeats’ feature stage.

GastroBeats 2023’s feature stage where performances will be held.
GastroBeats 2023’s feature stage where performances will be held. Photo Credit: Josiah Lee.

And as proof that there’s more to this event than the name suggests, just picture this: A festival that not only entices your taste buds lets you swing out your grooves, but also one that unleashes an explosion of fun. That’s right, GastroBeats 2023 has something in store for all thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts – the one and only Jumptopia™ which features 11 gigantic space-themed inflatables!

Jumptopia™ play arena where all the fun begins.
Jumptopia™ play arena where all the fun begins. Photo Credit: Josiah Lee.

Want to win some prizes? Join in the fun at the DBS and FoodPanda interactive game booths to win attractive prizes for all ages!

Our Web Manager, Josiah, taking on the FoodPanda ‘Ride Like a Panda’ challenge.
Our Web Manager, Josiah, taking on the FoodPanda ‘Ride Like a Panda’ challenge. Photo Credit: Isabelle Ng.
Exciting arcade game machines at GastroBeats 2023.
Exciting arcade game machines at GastroBeats 2023. Photo Credit: Josiah Lee.
Take part in carnival game booths such as ‘Ring Toss’ to win a plushie!
Take part in carnival game booths such as ‘Ring Toss’ to win a plushie! Photo Credit: Josiah Lee.

Don’t miss out on this amazing food and music festival! Gather your friends, come hungry, and dive into a world of delicious food, lively music and exciting games. Check out GastroBeats 2023 for a truly unforgettable time. 

GastroBeats 2023

Date: 1st to 25th June 2023

Timing: 4pm – 11pm daily

Location: Bayfront Event Space

Tickets: Free Admission